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Neutral Grounds
(French Quarter Collection #3)
by
First comes marriage, then comes...love? Divorce? Let’s pretend this never happened ...
They say opposites attract and that couldn’t be truer when it comes to CeCe and Shep. But what happens when the two most anti-marriage people in the French Quarter start enjoying the act?
CeCe
I never planned on getting married. After my dad deserted my family the day before my tenth bi ...more
They say opposites attract and that couldn’t be truer when it comes to CeCe and Shep. But what happens when the two most anti-marriage people in the French Quarter start enjoying the act?
CeCe
I never planned on getting married. After my dad deserted my family the day before my tenth bi ...more
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Start your review of Neutral Grounds (French Quarter Collection #3)
NEUTRAL GROUNDS IS LIVE!!!!
Y'all, it's so crazy, but CeCe's story has been in our hearts for years! For those of you who don't know, she started out as Cami Benoit-Landry's friend in Chasing Castles. We always intended for her to have her own story, but the timing was never right. Until now.
We LOVE CeCe and Shep and we hope y'all do too!
Two people with a past?
Check.
A marriage of convenience?
Check.
Set in our beloved French Quarter?
Check.
COMING OCTOBER 10!! ...more
Y'all, it's so crazy, but CeCe's story has been in our hearts for years! For those of you who don't know, she started out as Cami Benoit-Landry's friend in Chasing Castles. We always intended for her to have her own story, but the timing was never right. Until now.
We LOVE CeCe and Shep and we hope y'all do too!
Two people with a past?
Check.
A marriage of convenience?
Check.
Set in our beloved French Quarter?
Check.
COMING OCTOBER 10!! ...more
Neutral Grounds is like sunshine on a cloudy day.
A sweet interesting Contemporary Romance that brings you a delicious combination of two tropes: marriage-of-convenience and second-chance-romance. The result is a fun and light story.
I really enjoyed the French Quarter setting. It gives an extra layer to this romance and the supporting cast is delightful. You can really get the vibe of the town, and it feels populated, vibrant and exciting.
Cece is a great heroine. She's independent, resourceful ...more
A sweet interesting Contemporary Romance that brings you a delicious combination of two tropes: marriage-of-convenience and second-chance-romance. The result is a fun and light story.
I really enjoyed the French Quarter setting. It gives an extra layer to this romance and the supporting cast is delightful. You can really get the vibe of the town, and it feels populated, vibrant and exciting.
Cece is a great heroine. She's independent, resourceful ...more
I've been waiting for CeCe's book since I met her in Come Again (yes I read the first two books out of order - both were still amazing!).
In order to gain Shep's inheritance, Shep and CeCe enter in a fake marriage with very not fake chemistry! Wow! Shep's views on marriage was purely that of a transaction, since that's how he grew up in his family, while CeCe's was protecting herself from getting left again.
It was very heartwarming to see Shep start to recognize his feelings, and even reach out ...more
In order to gain Shep's inheritance, Shep and CeCe enter in a fake marriage with very not fake chemistry! Wow! Shep's views on marriage was purely that of a transaction, since that's how he grew up in his family, while CeCe's was protecting herself from getting left again.
It was very heartwarming to see Shep start to recognize his feelings, and even reach out ...more
Neutral Grounds by Jiffy Kate
#Review #MarriageOfConvenience
‘Turning toward CeCe, who up until this moment has remained absolutely quiet, I quirk an eyebrow at her, daring her to repeat it a third time.
“I will,” she says with a nod. “I’ll marry you.”
There is something so fascinating, captivating and provocative about romance stories that balance on the precipice of a marriage of convenience plot, because we all know that there isn’t going to be anything convenient about it at all. And in Neutral ...more
#Review #MarriageOfConvenience
‘Turning toward CeCe, who up until this moment has remained absolutely quiet, I quirk an eyebrow at her, daring her to repeat it a third time.
“I will,” she says with a nod. “I’ll marry you.”
There is something so fascinating, captivating and provocative about romance stories that balance on the precipice of a marriage of convenience plot, because we all know that there isn’t going to be anything convenient about it at all. And in Neutral ...more
In the prologue the couple have a ONS then the book starts 2 years later.
The Hero doesn't do relationships.
During separation heroine is celibate. The Hero isn't.
"I’ve thought about kissing CeCe again for the past two years. Her lips have haunted me as I’ve tried to erase her from my memory, replacing it with random women who never compared."
Other woman drama in the form of women his mother wants him to marry, one in particular, he's not interested.
No intimate scenes with anyone other than the He ...more
The Hero doesn't do relationships.
During separation heroine is celibate. The Hero isn't.
"I’ve thought about kissing CeCe again for the past two years. Her lips have haunted me as I’ve tried to erase her from my memory, replacing it with random women who never compared."
Other woman drama in the form of women his mother wants him to marry, one in particular, he's not interested.
No intimate scenes with anyone other than the He ...more
Neutral Grounds is another highly engaging read from the duo Jiffy Kate. It is set in New Orleans and brings us back to some of the amazing places and characters we have met in previous books including Carys and Maverick, Avery and Shaw and of course Jules.
This book focuses mostly on the relationship between Shep and CeCe. They had a fling in the past which left CeCe feeling somewhat jilted, but now Shep is back and after his grandfather passes away, they find themselves in an unconventional ar ...more
This book focuses mostly on the relationship between Shep and CeCe. They had a fling in the past which left CeCe feeling somewhat jilted, but now Shep is back and after his grandfather passes away, they find themselves in an unconventional ar ...more
Also Posted on For The Love of Fictional Worlds
Disclaimer: An eARC was provided via Wildfire Marketing PR and the Author as part of the Blog Tour. The Thoughts, opinions & feelings expressed in the review are therefore, my own.
Neutral Grounds by Jiffy Kate dropped on my kindle at exactly the right time; just when I needed a little light – hearted book to counteract the heavy fantasy and thriller reads!
Shep and Cece’s connection is instantaneous; and they spend an amazing weekend togethe ...more
This book landed on my kindle yesterday afternoon and I completely DEVOURED it!! I love the fake romance trope, and this was no exception!!
Shep and CeCe have such powerful chemistry, that I felt it radiating off the page! Two years ago, these two has an amazing weekend together, but the way CeCe made Shep feel spooked him, and he ghosted her. Ever since then, the two of them have been avoiding each other until Shep is faced with a predicament: he needs to get married before he can have access to ...more
Shep and CeCe have such powerful chemistry, that I felt it radiating off the page! Two years ago, these two has an amazing weekend together, but the way CeCe made Shep feel spooked him, and he ghosted her. Ever since then, the two of them have been avoiding each other until Shep is faced with a predicament: he needs to get married before he can have access to ...more
My favorite writing duo, Jiffy Kate, brings us another beautiful book from the French Quarter of New Orleans in Neutral Grounds. In this wonderfully descriptive book, they tell the story of CeCe and Shep. From the first page this steamy couple fight their feelings for each other. Always in control, CeCe has had to take care of everyone else in her life and can’t let down her guard to find love. There’s always a exit plan, always a reason to keep her feelings from getting in the way. Shep was bor
...more
Love love love!
"If ever there was a woman I could see myself tied to, it would be her."
Two years ago Shepard Rhys-Jones and Cece Calhoun had a hot weekend together. Then commitment-phobe Shep basically ghosted her. She's never forgiven him, nor has she ever really gotten him out of her system. Now, Shep needs a wife in order to gain his inheritance. In a drunken moment, Cece volunteers herself. I mean, how hard can it be to be in a fake marriage with him for just a year?
As it turns out, it can ...more
"If ever there was a woman I could see myself tied to, it would be her."
Two years ago Shepard Rhys-Jones and Cece Calhoun had a hot weekend together. Then commitment-phobe Shep basically ghosted her. She's never forgiven him, nor has she ever really gotten him out of her system. Now, Shep needs a wife in order to gain his inheritance. In a drunken moment, Cece volunteers herself. I mean, how hard can it be to be in a fake marriage with him for just a year?
As it turns out, it can ...more
Another hit by JiffyKate.
I was so excited to get a chance to read a pre-release copy of “Neutral Grounds”. This book contains many of the same characters from their other French Quarter novels, but can be read as a stand alone.
There are so many things to love about this book. First off, the concept is one of my all-time faves: forced marriage (in this case, Shep has to marry in order to collect an inheritance). I haven’t seen is done well in a contemporary setting until now. It works because She ...more
I was so excited to get a chance to read a pre-release copy of “Neutral Grounds”. This book contains many of the same characters from their other French Quarter novels, but can be read as a stand alone.
There are so many things to love about this book. First off, the concept is one of my all-time faves: forced marriage (in this case, Shep has to marry in order to collect an inheritance). I haven’t seen is done well in a contemporary setting until now. It works because She ...more
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
Jiffy Kate has taken us back to the french quarter in New Orleans with Neutral Grounds. I feel like I have returned home to family with this book. This writing duo knows how to pull you in with their characters and story lines so that you feel as if you are one of family of friends their stories are about. In this book we get to know these two wonderfully flawed characters - Shep and CeCe, both are strong and independent and find it hard to rely on others until CeCe offers to marry Shep, and the
...more
Cece and Shep spent a weekend with each other two years ago. They didn't leave it on good terms. Now Shep is back and he needs a wife to inherit. Cece drunkenly volunteers. Shep thinks of this as an sort of business agreement since he has strong feelings about not getting married. Cece's trying to protect her heart and has a fear of getting left again. It was great to watch Shep recognize his feelings and to watch their chemistry leap off the pages. This was a story I've been waiting for and it
...more
Shep and CeCe spent one fantastic weekend together, then he ghosted her. Always feeling a little sting of disappointment when he's around she does her best to ignore him never quite having recovered from the weekend or the ghosting. Two years later Shep's moved to town, he was never able to completely forget CeCe but did his best to pretend to move on. In order to inherit his grandfather's money, Shep must be married for at least a year, stunned when CeCe volunteers to be his wife he snatches up
...more
Loved this. I am a fan of the “Marriage of Convenience” trope, but it is rarely done as well as in this book. Cece and Shep are dedicated to remaining single, until fate steps in and provides incentive for them to think otherwise.
It’s so common for these fake marriage stories to turn into insta-love, but that doesn’t happen here. You feel their connection early on, but see how they fight it when they are thrown together again. However, as they show us, some connections are hard to deny.
“What’s ...more
It’s so common for these fake marriage stories to turn into insta-love, but that doesn’t happen here. You feel their connection early on, but see how they fight it when they are thrown together again. However, as they show us, some connections are hard to deny.
“What’s ...more
Somewhat of an enemies-to-lovers vibe! CeCe and Shep meet through the relationship of their mutual friends, and after chemistry continues to build up one visit, they feed into the temptation and spend a weekend with each other. Two years later, Shep has relocated to the same town CeCe lives in, and even though the pair haven’t been on the best of terms since that weekend, end up at the same party. When his grandfather unexpectedly dies, he returns home to find out that he is the only one in his
...more
Y’all I was sooo excited that CeCe's got her own book after I read about her in Come Again!! I freaking love when my favorite characters get their own spin offs!!!
"Do not pay attention to how he says your name. This man is a snake charmer, that's all"
Ohhh myyy Gahhhh, Y'all, I fell head over heels over Jiffy Kate's newest book Neutral Grounds. I had some laugh out loud moments, some swoony moments and some, OMG I am about to throw my kindle across the room moments!! Lol
Question: Would you consid ...more
"Do not pay attention to how he says your name. This man is a snake charmer, that's all"
Ohhh myyy Gahhhh, Y'all, I fell head over heels over Jiffy Kate's newest book Neutral Grounds. I had some laugh out loud moments, some swoony moments and some, OMG I am about to throw my kindle across the room moments!! Lol
Question: Would you consid ...more
My favorite author duo ha done it again! I love how Jiffy Kate writes a series that is entwined but could also be read as stand alones!
We've already met CeCe & Shep, But Neutral Grounds is THEIR story. They have a bit of a history. One hot weekend that went nowhere. And now things are a bit awkward. Their best friends' are engaged, so avoiding each other is basically out of the question.
CeCe is a strong, independent woman who has had to care for herself since childhood. Shep. Well Shep is a Rhys ...more
We've already met CeCe & Shep, But Neutral Grounds is THEIR story. They have a bit of a history. One hot weekend that went nowhere. And now things are a bit awkward. Their best friends' are engaged, so avoiding each other is basically out of the question.
CeCe is a strong, independent woman who has had to care for herself since childhood. Shep. Well Shep is a Rhys ...more
Need a caffeine fix? This is the book for you! CeCe makes a mean espresso and works hard at the business of making coffee and pastries for her customers.
Was great to catch up with CeCe and her friends. Though she was upset with Shep for ghosting her after their initial encounter, when he needed help obtaining his inheritance from his grandfather she selfishly stepped up, though at the time she was a bit tipsy.
What begins as a business deal starts to bloom into something more...something neithe ...more
Was great to catch up with CeCe and her friends. Though she was upset with Shep for ghosting her after their initial encounter, when he needed help obtaining his inheritance from his grandfather she selfishly stepped up, though at the time she was a bit tipsy.
What begins as a business deal starts to bloom into something more...something neithe ...more
Shepard “Shep” Rhys-Jones is mine. I need it known, that he’s all mine. He’s everything I love about a man wrapped into one fine specimen. Loving, caring, possessive, vulnerable, sexy, arrogant, commanding...I could keep going on and on.
CeCe Calhoun hasn’t had the best life but she’s worked really, freaking hard for everything she does have and she’ll be damned if she allows some stranger to take it all from her.
So, when she hears Shep saying he needs a wife to get his inheritance she offers h ...more
CeCe Calhoun hasn’t had the best life but she’s worked really, freaking hard for everything she does have and she’ll be damned if she allows some stranger to take it all from her.
So, when she hears Shep saying he needs a wife to get his inheritance she offers h ...more
This book was everything! Funny, emotional, gut wrenching, and swoon worthy. What started out as a business arrangement became so much more. Mr. I’ll Never Get Married was brought to his knees and he didn’t even see it coming. CeCe snuck into his heart just by being herself. Those are my favorite kinds of love stories. CeCe is Ms. Independent and doesn’t know how to lean on others. She has always been the one to let people lean on her. She has supported herself and others for so long, she doesn’
...more
Jiffy Kate can just keep on writing, please. They know how to take a well-known trope and build on it, making the relationships deep and meaningful and the emotions they feel resonate.
Not quite enemies-to-lovers, but definitely different-sides-of-the-track, Shep and Cece bond over their differences and one another's drive. The sexual tension is off the charts, the chemistry is fun and spicy, and Cece is definitely not a "damsel in distress."
With two strong personalities, you get a ton of fiery ...more
Not quite enemies-to-lovers, but definitely different-sides-of-the-track, Shep and Cece bond over their differences and one another's drive. The sexual tension is off the charts, the chemistry is fun and spicy, and Cece is definitely not a "damsel in distress."
With two strong personalities, you get a ton of fiery ...more
Ah so our characters from the French Quarters are back and we are introduced to Cece and Shep. A fake marriage that slowly feels real. I loved the banter between Cece and Shep. I wanted to throw my kindle against the wall for the reluctance of feelings Cece and Shep were having for one another. I want to read the other books again to remember Maverick, Carys, Jules, Shaw and Avery. I love the family feel of these characters of friends. I love the writing style of these writing duos. I can’t wait
...more
Lovely story for some great characters that I’ we met in the previous book Come Again.
Fake marriage becomes friendship with benefits and of course life won’t let them just be.
I loved to go back in NOLA and visit old characters as well as making new acquaintances.
The writing is rich as always and gets you in the story without even realising.
The heart wants what it wants despite what the brain may think it’s better to do.
“If you love it, set it free.”
“Whoever said being in love was easy was a ...more
Fake marriage becomes friendship with benefits and of course life won’t let them just be.
I loved to go back in NOLA and visit old characters as well as making new acquaintances.
The writing is rich as always and gets you in the story without even realising.
The heart wants what it wants despite what the brain may think it’s better to do.
“If you love it, set it free.”
“Whoever said being in love was easy was a ...more
CeCe and Shep right from the start had this chemistry that just made me excited to read this story. Once I understood what happened in the past, I just knew that Shep was gonna have his hands full with CeCe. But little did I know, CeCe was gonna be my favorite. Such a strong, fierce young woman.
Fake marriage, hot chemistry!
So many thoughts and feelings right now. I started this book and couldn’t put it down. This book was fantastic!! I loved Cece and Shep. The chemistry. The fake marriage. His powerful demeanor. Her sassy take no drama attitude. Seeing our favorite characters from previous stories, a wonderful surprise. I just loved everything about this book.
So many thoughts and feelings right now. I started this book and couldn’t put it down. This book was fantastic!! I loved Cece and Shep. The chemistry. The fake marriage. His powerful demeanor. Her sassy take no drama attitude. Seeing our favorite characters from previous stories, a wonderful surprise. I just loved everything about this book.
Jiffy Kate has once again sent me straight to the internet to shop flights to New Orleans. Neutral Grounds is the perfect addition to this series and Shep -- oh Shep. He's pretty fantastic. I found myself relating to CeCe in so many ways and cheering her and Shep on as they maneuvered their way through each of their pasts, family drama, and feelings.
...more
Another winner from Jiffy Kate! This storyline had me turning the pages, could not put this book down.
Southern romance at it’s best.
I’m ready for the sequel letting us know what happens with CeCe & Shep!
Southern romance at it’s best.
I’m ready for the sequel letting us know what happens with CeCe & Shep!
This book hits you like five shots of espresso! So basically, it hits you with an extreme jolt.
This is CeCe and Shep’s book. We first met them both in Blue Bayou. Shep is Mavericks business partner and best friend from Dallas, Texas.
CeCe is the owner and operator of Neutral Grounds. She also happens to be BFF’s with Carys from Blue Bayou and Avery whom we met in Come Again. I love this series and honestly hope we continue to see it grow.
Shep and CeCe origina ...more
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Jiffy Kate is the joint pen name for Jiff Simpson and Jenny Kate Altman. They're co-writing besties who share a brain and a love of cute boys, good coffee, and fun times.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jiffykate
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jiffykatewr... ...more
Jiffy Kate is the joint pen name for Jiff Simpson and Jenny Kate Altman. They're co-writing besties who share a brain and a love of cute boys, good coffee, and fun times.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jiffykate
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jiffykatewr... ...more
Other books in the series
French Quarter Collection
(4 books)
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